Varicose Veins Treatment – EVLT

What is it?

EVLT is a modern varicose veins treatment employing the possibilities of a laser. It is an alternative for traditional, painful and long surgery of blood vessels stripping. Thanks to EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins) the procedure is faster, less complicated and painful and, what is the most important, minimizes complications risk. With very high effectiveness (93 to 98%) it also makes the recovery quicker and limits bleeding and bruising.

Who is it for?

EVLT works best on generally healthy patients who are qualified based on photos, medical tests results (blood tests, Doppler blood vessel ultrasound and ECG for over 50’s) and a face to face consultation with a surgeon and an anaesthetist.
Most often varicose veins treatment is performed for cosmetic reasons. However, a number of patients feel itching, discomfort or, on rare occasions, develop one of several potential complications. EVLT is performed both as preventive treatment and to cure any complications which might have already occurred. In any case it is advised to consult with a professional the necessity of undergoing such a procedure.

Surgery info

Experienced and qualified surgeon assisted by an anaesthetist perform the surgery on a patient under sedation and local anaesthetics. A small incision is made on the leg and the enlarged blood vessels are closed with the use of a laser. The surgery duration time is max. 1 hour per each leg and usually other methods are used at the same time (for instance, sclerotherapy) to achieve the best effect. The patients get special compression stockings and all necessary medication after the procedure.

Price

1 leg €825 / £660

both legs €1500 / £1200

Healthy blood vessels

Basically three types are present in the legs, including superficial (quite often visible, near the skin surface), deep and perforator (transporting the blood from superficial into deep veins). Normal, healthy leg blood vessels transport the blood up the legs, back to the heart. Inside of larger ones, there are special valves, which prevent the blood from flowing down.

Varicose veins

Over the years, some walls of our blood vessels might become weaker, wider and more visible. If such an issue occurs near the aforementioned valve, the blood might start flowing in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, just one damaged valve is enough to cause problems in the whole vein, as more pressure is developed.
As a result additional wider sections or damaged valves might occur, which then results in the blood collecting in such a blood vessel, thus making it more prominent.
Statistically even around 30% of adults might develop varicose veins, most of which are women. Usually, there is no disease causing the enlargement of the blood vessels. Most often they are observed during pregnancy, at older age, on legs of overweight people or people, who work at positions requiring them to stand a lot.
On separate occasions they might be caused by blood clots, swelling in the pelvis or abnormal blood vessels, although such possibility is very low.

Symptoms

swollen feet, ankles or lower legs (especially in high temperatures or after prolonged standing or sitting),

pain in the area of the vein,

skin itching,

skin discolouration (especially near the ankles),

heavy legs (minimized after rest, especially with legs raised),

tingling sensation, numbness of legs,

restless legs syndrome,

visible varicose veins.

Complications

A very limited number of patients might develop different complications. They include inflammation, swelling of the lower leg or foot, skin changes (e.g. thickened, red sections, ulcers, eczema, discolouration). Very rarely they might as well bleed, in which case an immediate medical help is necessary.
However, in a vast majority of cases no complications are observed.

Hospital stay

There is no need to stay overnight at a hospital as this varicose veins treatment is minimally invasive and is performed under local anaesthetics.

Clinic info

Since 1996 the Warsaw aesthetic medicine clinic performs EVLT procedures. The staff consists of highly qualified and experienced beauticians, nurses, anaesthetists and staff-surgeons, who have at their disposal modern equipment. Apart from varicose veins treatment, the clinic offers as well numerous other procedures enhancing natural beauty.

Required stay in Poland

1-2 days.

Accommodation

Check ‘Accommodation / Warsaw’ section to find out more about wide range of hotels we offer.